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Modellings tips and answers - Inspiration - Gates, barriers and crossings - Videos

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Don't forget to read our latest modelling tips and unboxing videos located at the bottom of the newsletter.

This week in history

On the 27th of October 1904, the New York City Subway opened its first underground line. The route operated from City Hall to 145th Street at Broadway, and saw the first use of the all-steel railway cars that became iconic on New York's subway network.

Tool of the week

This week's tool of the week is an entry-level craft knife by Swann Morton. Not all modellers require heavy duty, top of the range equipment or tools, and this handy craft knife is perfect for modellers who only occasionally reach for the toolbox. The knife is excellent value for money as it uses the same quality blades as more expensive versions. It is supplied with two blades to get you started and replacements are readily available.

Gates, barriers and crossings

There are around six thousand railway crossings in the UK, and although that number is reducing all the time in favour of safer alternatives, crossings remain a staple feature on many model railway layouts. But with so many types to choose from, which is best for your layout?

Well of course, only you can answer that question, but it is at least worth knowing what's available if you're to make an informed decision. Historically, modellers have turned to a set-track version of level crossing with gates, track and road all incorporated into one handy ready-to-go model. These are still available today, and this type of model certainly has its merits, they are easy to install, affordable, and can be detailed to blend in with more sophisticated scenery. They are even available as curved crossings and can be extended to make them double, triple or quadruple track crossing. But if you fancy something a little less generic, you will not be disappointed at the choice out there. Gaugemaster's 'Fordhampton' kit of a level crossing, for example, doesn't include any track, but it does feature a road bed and crossing gates. It also exhibits details such as gate braces and mesh which makes it a credible contender for a detailed single-track crossing. As does Wills Kits' version: their level crossing also comes in kit form and exhibits a cobblestone effect road surface and planked crossing deck. If, however, you want to craft your own crossing, individual sets of gates and barriers can be easily obtained either as static models or with flashing lights and sound effects.

Of course, not all railway crossings are standard road crossings. There are many different types and only around 1 in 5 are actually sited on a public highway giving modellers a great opportunity to recreate many other types of crossing that are in existence on the railway network, including the kissing gates often used for public footpath access. Kissing gates in model form are easy enough to source, either as individual models or as part of a pack or range that features matching fencing for extended scenes. Other types of crossings include Ratio's very convincing plastic kit of an occupation crossing (farm crossing) and Langley's traditional white-metal 5-bar gate with crossing brace that, interestingly, can also be used to form the railway entrance to a private siding.

Whatever your crossing requirements, there's sure to be one to suit your needs, so don't rush in and remember to stop, look and listen before choosing one!

Modelling tips

We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are the latest ones:

You can read all the articles sorted by categories or from the most recent published one on our website.

Unboxing videos

You want to know what is inside the boxes of modelling products? We open them for you! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified before everyone else or simply click on this selection. Please note that videos are at the bottom of each page.

You can access all the unboxing videos by visiting this page or simply click on the link called "videos" on our websit e.

Do you need to order?

Send us an email or give us a call to check availability or to reserve anything, whatever scale you model in. As usual, if we do not have in stock what you are looking for, we will order it for you and you will get it fast (usually within a week if the manufacturer has it in stock). We place weekly orders with most suppliers.

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